Corvette vs MX-5 Miata
This is a classic rivalry: the Corvette against the MX-5 Miata, Chevrolet against Mazda, both in sports car territory. On balance, the Corvette is the stronger package: it leads in 3 out of 4 areas, most clearly in engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Corvette wins
- Fuel Economy & Range MX-5 Miata wins
- Space & Practicality Corvette wins
- Off-road & Towing Corvette wins
- Engine & Performance6.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.7
- Space & Practicality4.6
- Engine & Performance0.0
- Fuel Economy & Range6.4
- Space & Practicality0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Corvette has 309 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Corvette makes its strongest case: 490 hp against 181 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Corvette has 175% more cargo space
The Corvette clearly leads on cargo (behind rear seats), and 12.6 cu ft versus 4.6 cu ft is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
-
The MX-5 Miata has better fuel economy
On fuel economy (combined), the MX-5 Miata posts 29 mpg against 19 mpg for the Corvette, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Corvette has 314 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 465 lb-ft for the Corvette versus 151 lb-ft for the MX-5 Miata. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The MX-5 Miata has better city fuel economy
The Corvette lists 16 mpg; the MX-5 Miata comes in at 26 mpg. That’s not a rounding error. City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | 68.3 in |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | 90.9 in |
Engine & Performance
Corvette leads
The Corvette is the clear pick if engine & performance is what you care about most. The Corvette comes with 309 hp more power. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board. On engine & performance alone, the Corvette gets the nod.
Total system output
Corvette: 490 hp MX-5 Miata: 181 hp The Corvette’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Corvette: 465 lb-ft MX-5 Miata: 151 lb-ft The Corvette’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
MX-5 Miata leads
The Corvette is outclassed on fuel economy & range; the MX-5 Miata leads by a clear margin. The MX-5 Miata gives you better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. If this section decides it for you, choose the MX-5 Miata.
Fuel economy (combined)
Corvette: 19 mpg MX-5 Miata: 29 mpg The MX-5 Miata uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (city)
Corvette: 16 mpg MX-5 Miata: 26 mpg Hybrids often shine in the city, and the MX-5 Miata has the better rating here.
Space & Practicality
Corvette leads
The Corvette wins the space & practicality section decisively. The Corvette answers with 175% more cargo space. The Corvette’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Corvette has the edge.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Corvette: 12.6 cu ft MX-5 Miata: 4.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Corvette leads
If you’re keeping score, the off-road & towing point goes narrowly to the Corvette. In its favor, the Corvette has available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. The off-road & towing verdict goes to the Corvette.
AWD / 4WD available
Corvette: yes MX-5 Miata: no The Corvette offers all-wheel drive; the MX-5 Miata doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Corvette and the MX-5 Miata part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 6.2L V8 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 490 hp (winner) | 181 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 465 lb-ft (winner) | 151 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 29 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 16 mpg | 26 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 25 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 18.5 gal | 11.9 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 12.6 cu ft (winner) | 4.6 cu ft Smallest cargo area |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes (winner) | No |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Mazda i-Activsense |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 182.3 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 76.1 in | 68.3 in |
| Height | 48.6 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in | 90.9 in |
Price
| Spec | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $68,300 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Corvette if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (490 hp vs 181 hp)
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (12.6 cu ft vs 4.6 cu ft)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (465 lb-ft vs 151 lb-ft of torque)
- you want all-wheel drive available
Choose the MX-5 Miata if…
- you drive a lot and want lower running costs (29 mpg vs 19 mpg combined)
- you want better city fuel economy (26 mpg vs 16 mpg)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 25 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Corvette or the MX-5 Miata?
For most people, the Corvette is the stronger choice, unless having better fuel economy matters more to you than the rest.
Executive Summary
The Corvette and the MX-5 Miata come from rival camps, Chevrolet and Mazda, but they’re chasing the same person: you. It’s hard to argue with 309 hp more power, which is exactly what the Corvette brings. A second reason: the Corvette comes with 175% more cargo space. Credit where it’s due: the MX-5 Miata offers better fuel economy.
Who should get which? The Corvette for engine & performance, the MX-5 Miata for fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Corvette, though I’d happily point you to the MX-5 Miata if your top priority is better fuel economy.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.